7 Incredible Health Benefits of Black Pepper

A couple of hundred years ago, traders use to call it ‘black gold’. Black pepper was used to both honor the Gods as well as to pay taxes and allowances. Also, in the medieval era, the wealth of a man was often measured by judging the stockpile of pepper that he possessed.

There’s a reason that this spice is so well cherished and is also known as the king of spices. It is one of the oldest and most popular spices on this planet. It was discovered 4000 years ago and is indigenous to South India.

Black pepper has more healthy properties than most people know about. Keep reading today’s post to discover the amazing health benefits of this ancient and most widely used spice in the world.

1. Aids in digestion The piperine in black pepper stimulates digestion by aiding the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach that helps to digest proteins in food. Proper digestion is essential to avoid diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive ailments. So adding a bit of pepper in your daily meals can actually prove beneficial.
2. Helps prevent cancer Black pepper has Vitamin C, Vitamin A, flavonoids, carotenes and various anti-oxidants that help remove harmful free radicals from the body which prevents cancer. Many studies have been conducted which have shown that black pepper provides protection from breast cancer, skin cancer, bowel cancer and colon cancer.
3. Weight Loss Many studies have been conducted that have shown that peppercorns help burn fat due to the presence of piperine. In addition, it improves the metabolic rate, which in turn helps encourage the breakdown of fat cells.

1. Skin treatment Black pepper stimulates blood circulation and provides the skin with more oxygen. It also helps cure vitiligo, in which some areas of skin starts losing its normal pigmentation and turns white.
2. Relieves cold & cough Pepper also provides relief from sinus and nasal congestion. It has a property that helps to break up the mucus depositions in the respiratory tract. It also has antimicrobial properties that help fight cold and cough.
3. Reduces depression The Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology conducted a study which showed that piperine in black pepper stimulates the cognitive function of the brain which helps beat depression. Add it to your daily meals in any form as it acts as a natural anti-depressant.
4. Treatment of diabetes The antioxidants present in pepper helps stabilize blood sugar. The regulation of hyperglycemia is also one of the effects of peppercorns and their extracts.

Selection & Storage For best flavor, buy whole peppercorns and grind them yourself just before adding to food. In addition to superior flavor, buying whole peppercorns will ensure that you are purchasing unadulterated pepper.

Black pepper should be stored in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. It can also be frozen which will make its flavor more pronounced.